Stories about Freedom of Speech from January, 2013
Macedonians Ask State News Agency to Stop Manipulations
An online initiative against media manipulations [mk] perpetrated by the state-owned Macedonian Information Agency (MIA) asks citizens to express their dissatisfaction by sending e-mails to the agency. The action was spurred by the latest example of blatant spin, when a MIA correspondent distorted U.S. diplomat Philip Reeker‘s statement about the...
Philippines: Anti-Cybercrime Law Denounced as ‘Cyber Martial Law’
More voices in the Philippines are questioning the Cybercrime Prevention Law as the oral arguments on the petitions against the law are being heard in the Supreme Court. The law was denounced by activists as a 'Cyber Martial Law' because of provisions that would limit free speech and expression in the internet sphere
Google CEO's Trip to North Korea, From Schmidt's Daughter's Blog
Google CEO Eric Schmidt visited North Korea last month and his daughter shared in her blog what the delegation saw in the hermit kingdom. Some of highlights from the blog: [describing the nation's top internet facility] Looks great, right? All this activity, all those monitors. […] One problem: No one was actually...
Sri Lanka: Code of Ethics For Media
Freedom Of Expression Sri Lanka reports that the Sri Lankan government has started the process of introducing a comprehensive code of ethics, for both print and electronic media, in accordance with its overall aim to streamline the industry.
Petrodollars, Megalomania and Human Rights in Equatorial Guinea
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea launched a charm offensive in 2011 and 2012 using his petrodollars to target the worlds of showbusiness, sport and international diplomacy. However, following his accession to chairmanship of the African Union, the civil society denounced him for his poor human rights record while the orgy of spending conducted by his son caused widespread revulsion.
Twitter Suspends Cuban Encyclopedia Ecured's Account
Twitter has suspended the account of the Cuban Collaborative Encyclopedia Cubana EcuRed according to an announcement posted on the official blog of the their website.
Macedonian Activists Collect 10,000 Signatures for Legislative Change
Activists of the civic initiative AMAN [mk] continue to fight for a better energy legislation [mg, fr, mk, es], despite pressure and infiltrations. In November, “unknown persons” prevented them from talking to PM Gruevski [mk] at an “open meeting with citizens.” Currently, there's an ongoing signature-gathering campaign for the change...
Interview with Szabolcs Panyi, Editor of Global Voices in Hungarian
Szabolcs Panyi, 26, is the author and editor of a popular Hungarian blog, Véleményvezér ("Opinion Leader”). He joined Global Voices in Hungarian in September 2011, and since March 2012 he has been the site's co-editor.
Přednádraží Still Stands: Czech Roma Community Resists Evictions
In August 2012, the Ostrava City Hall issued a 24-hour eviction order to the owner of the 11 buildings at Přednádraží. Approximately 100 families of the local residents refused to move out. Many simply did not have anywhere else to go. Five months later, twelve families still remain at Přednádraží, including six children. Daniela Kantorova reports.
Togo: An Open Letter to Denounce Violence Against Journalists
On January 14, 2013, Maxime Domegni, Secretary General of the National Union of Independent Journalist of Togo (SYNJIT) and Sylvio Combey Combetey, President of the Network of African Journalists on Human Security and Peace (RAJOSEP) published [fr] a press release to denounce violence against journalists in Togo. The release details a skirmish...
Armenian Blogger on Trial for Satire Photo of Politician
Edgar Barseghyan, the creator of satire photo website, Demotivator.am is on trial for publishing a satirical photo of a model's body with the superimposed face of Armenian politician Tigran Urikhanyan and the caption "Stylish Politician of the Year".
Outspoken Critic's Silence at Book Launch Echoes Across China
Outspoken social critic and blogger Li Chengpeng recently released a new book: the Whole World Knows[zh]. Also known as an eloquent public speaker, Li delivered a bold speech on freedom of expression at an elite University in china last November. While the audience expected another speech at Li’s book signing event in his hometown, China’s Sichuan province on Jan 12 2013, what they saw is a silent Li with a mask on his face. His speech was censored.
South Korean TV Networks Shun Politically Active Actress
One of South Korea’s most outspoken actresses revealed through Twitter that two networks cancelled her booked TV appearances after a political candidate she openly supported lost the recent presidential election.
Podcast: China's Southern Weekend Incident
Sinica hosts a discussion on the recent Southern Weekend incident in China. They look at what brought on the protests, the social media response and what the incident suggests about the way China's new government will handle media relations.
Long Prison Terms for ‘Dissident’ Vietnam Bloggers
Vietnam convicted 14 Vietnamese bloggers and human rights defenders for participating in “activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration.” The activists were given long prison terms which range from 3 years to 13 years.
2012: A Year of Revolt and Social Change in Francophone Countries: Part 1 of 2
The year 2012 was marked by armed conflicts in Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. There were elections in Senegal, Quebec and France, while demonstrations for change took place in Chad, Madagascar and Togo. Debates raged on issues such as immigration, the economic crisis and equality in marriage laws. This is the first part of a review of the year 2012 in Francophone countries.
Journalist Killed During Ceasefire Talks in Central African Republic
The network of Human Rights Reporters in Central African Republic reports that journalist for the Radio Bé-oko Elisabeth Olofio was killed [fr] when Sékéla rebels entered the town of Bambari, CAR on January 7. A ceasefire agreement was signed [fr] between the rebels and the Bozizé government today (January 11)...
Internet Boycott Leads to Resignation of “La Comay” in Puerto Rico
On 8 January, social networks were flooded with reports of the resignation of producer Antulio "Kobbo" Santarrosa, the man behind the puppet personality La Comay, probably the most controversial show in Puerto Rican television. His resignation was caused by pressure from social network users.
Russia's Protest Movement Is Back (to Usual)
For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past year: the Russian protest movement—which sprung to life in December 2011—has collapsed. Trusted demonstration speakers are selling toothpaste on TV, top bloggers are accused of pedophilia, and recent rallies have attracted smaller crowds. In other words, Russia's opposition—as it's been known throughout the Putin years—is back to usual.
China: Significance of the Southern Weekend Incident
Sino Stand analyzes the social and political implications of Southern Weekend incident in China. Indeed it is a surprising signal that many of China’s youth are primed to push for change.
Chinese Ambiguous Writing on Porridge in Support of Southern Weekly
David Bandurski from China Media Project explains a sublime and ambiguous Chinese writing style used through out the China's history to express political meaning. This time, the example is a Porridge article in support of Southern Weekly to get around vigorous censorship orders.
